Up First from NPR
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NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst
Episodes
Mentioned books
223 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 14min
Gaza Ceasefire Reached, Shutdown Day 9, Chicago National Guard
In a significant development, Israel and Hamas announced the first phase of a peace deal, sparking mixed reactions among Gazans and Israelis. Meanwhile, the ongoing government shutdown shows no signs of resolution as both parties remain entrenched in their positions. The situation in Chicago escalates as National Guard troops are deployed amidst local opposition and ongoing ICE operations, creating tension in immigrant communities. This multifaceted discussion highlights the urgency and complexities of current events.
155 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 13min
Shutdown Politics, Air Traffic Control Issues, Comey Arraignment
The government shutdown continues with no negotiation insights, while the aviation sector faces chaos due to closed air traffic control towers. Staffing shortages are grounding flights nationwide, raising eyebrows about safety and operations. Meanwhile, James Comey is in the spotlight, facing felony charges stemming from pressure by a former president. The discussion dives into potential courtroom antics and the evolving political landscape that could affect both the shutdown and Comey's case, adding an intriguing twist to a tumultuous news week.
186 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 14min
National Guard Powers, Marking October 7th, SCOTUS: Conversion Therapy
Texas National Guard troops are deployed under controversial circumstances, sparking legal battles over federal authority. The war in Gaza marks its second anniversary, with somber commemorations and a focus on ongoing humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court debates conversion therapy bans, weighing free speech against the need to protect vulnerable minors, highlighting conflicting perspectives on mental health practices.
239 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 14min
National Guard Portland, Gaza Talks In Egypt, SCOTUS Term Begins
A federal judge halts President Trump’s move to deploy the National Guard in Portland, raising legal concerns. High-stakes negotiations are underway in Egypt between Hamas and Israeli officials, with hopes of securing peace and releasing hostages. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's new term kicks off with major cases on presidential power and voting rights, highlighting the significance of emergency rulings and their long-term implications. The atmosphere in Gaza reflects cautious optimism amid these critical discussions.
75 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 20min
National Security, Unlocked
Mary Louise Kelly, a seasoned national security journalist and the host of NPR's new podcast Sources and Methods, dives deep into the world of intelligence and defense reporting. She shares her fearless interviewing style, including a viral moment with Mike Pompeo over Ukraine that highlighted journalistic accountability. Kelly discusses the intricacies of reporting on secretive agencies and the significance of source protection. Her insights from war zones like Ukraine and her thoughts on renaming the Defense Department add depth to this critical conversation.
128 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 14min
Hamas Agrees to Trump Plan, Shutdown Day 4, Medicaid Cuts
Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire plan, promising to release hostages, but demands for clearer timelines complicate implementation. Meanwhile, the government shutdown enters its fourth day with ongoing stalemate in the Senate. The discussion also highlights troubling Medicaid cuts affecting nursing home care, with states like Idaho and North Carolina facing provider payment reductions. Personal stories, such as a caregiver's struggle due to these cuts, underscore the real-world impact of these political decisions.
150 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 14min
Shutdown Day 3, No Jobs Report, Trump Pressures Universities
The Senate is in a stalemate over competing funding bills as a government shutdown continues. This impasse is delaying the release of critical job market data, leaving economists in the dark. Meanwhile, the White House is pressuring universities to agree to terms that tie federal funding to policies on free speech and diversity. Specific demands include tuition freezes and compliance with gender policies. It's a high-stakes negotiation that could reshape the landscape of higher education funding.
142 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 31min
Kentucky’s governor on the shutdown and political divisions
Andy Beshear, the popular Democratic governor of Kentucky, discusses navigating political divides in a red state. He highlights the impact of the federal shutdown on families and federal workers, emphasizing the importance of ACA tax credits to prevent rising health care costs. Beshear also critiques the president's rhetoric and explores the economic consequences of tariffs on Kentucky jobs. As he considers a potential presidential run, he argues for a focus on bipartisan governance and engaging rural voters by addressing everyday issues.
206 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 14min
White House Shutdown Cuts, Government Services Interrupted, Gaza City Evacuation
The podcast reveals how the White House is leveraging a government shutdown to propose massive budget cuts and potentially lay off federal workers. Experts discuss the legal ramifications of such actions. Key federal services are experiencing interruptions, affecting vulnerable programs like SNAP and WIC. Meanwhile, Israel's evacuation order for Gaza City highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis, with severe implications for civilians and ongoing diplomatic challenges. The discussion offers a deep dive into the political maneuvers and their real-world impacts.
161 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 13min
Government Shutdown Begins, Impact Of Shutdown, Trump Hegseth Military Meeting
The federal government has kicked off its first shutdown since 2019, leaving over two million workers in limbo. Tensions in Congress led to failed funding bills amid intense partisan standoffs. President Trump is facing backlash for threatening mass layoffs while suggesting the use of troops against 'enemies within' in Democratic cities. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Hegseth is pushing for tougher military standards, criticizing 'woke' culture, and emphasizing readiness for combat.
